Traffic Violations Blog | Unger and Kowitt

If I get a ticket in another state, what should I do?

Having our offices in the southern part of Florida, you may not think we get asked about driving into another state and receiving a traffic ticket, but you'd be surprised. Whether you are out of town on business in a rental a car, or if you decided to pack the family up for a long road trip out of Florida in your own car, getting a ticket in another state can have an impact on your driver's license.

Therefore, before you can call and ask "What should I do if I get a ticket in another state?" Because I like you, I'll tell you now.

The first question you must answer is "Which state is the one where you received your current driver's license?" Let's call that your "home" state. You then need to determine how your "home" state treats tickets received outside of your "home" state (i.e. in another state).

Every state is different and you may want to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles Website. For Florida, you can CLICK HERE, but again, because I'm feeling especially generous, I will save you some time and give you the answer.

If Florida is your "home" state, be advised, Florida treats any ticket received outside of Florida as if it was given in Florida.

So, in case that was confusing, if you have a Florida license, and you get a speeding ticket in Georgia (or any other state not named Florida), and you pay that ticket, you will get points on your Florida license. The reason, and I hope you're getting this, is because, speeding tickets in Florida carry points if you pay it.

This is why, for those of you who get tickets outside of Florida and have a Florida license, you must fight that ticket with a local traffic attorney. If you cannot find an attorney, as a last resort, you can elect traffic school, but there are restrictions on that, so again, you need to check the Florida DMV website about out of state traffic school.

If you are still confused, no worries, we're here to help. And even though we don't handle matters outside of Florida, if you have a Florida license, we can still offer you some free legal advice. You can call us at 954-370-9999 or email me at bkowitt@ungerandkowitt.com.

I got a speeding ticket in Ohio in a construction zone. However the box on the ticket was not checked and i called on to see how much the tcket would be. When the lady asked me if it was in a construction zone i told her the box was not checked and she said on her copy it was. She said it must not be showing up on mine. But the other checked boxes show they came through. The ticket is for 155 dollars because its doubled for construction zone. I will pay half of that because of the error. Please any advice. Thanks. I live in Georgia.

Diana Yepez

This is informative. My new husband got a ticket in new jersey where I currently live until my daughter graduates for careless driving in snow storm. The cop was out of his jurisdiction and was inappropriately screaming at us when we tried to fight his allegations for a quota ticket. Now, we have opened an internal affairs case, requesting tapes from his vehicle to prove he lied about location and his behavior. Until then my husband has to stay in town til Jan 2, in the event they try to postpone and he has to go back to florida we do not know what to do. Can you suggest anything.

Barry Kowitt

Diana,

Thanks for commenting. You've given me a lot there. I assume your husband has a Florida Driver's license. If that is the case, as the article said, if it's not dismissed, Florida will treat the ticket as if it was given in Florida. You're already taking action to try and get it dismissed. You may want to try and find an attorney in NJ who can assist you.

Good Luck.

Barry

Mohammad Ismail

I got a speeding ticket in NC, I was driving 89 MPH on highway where speed limit was 70, the officer told me to higher an Attorney and scadualed a court date for me, I have Florida license and live in Javkdonville Florida, do I need to be present at the court or my attorney can represent me without my appearance, and what fines or charges could be issued, thanks.

Barry Kowitt

Because you got the ticket in NC, I really can't answer your questions. Best if you could find an attorney in NC. But you are right to fight it, because FL will treat it as if it was given in FL and put points on your license if you just pay it.

Katherine Iglesias

Hello,
I was driving back home from Atlanta to Orlando. Not in a rush at all. I was following the traffic and just conversing with my mother not even looking at my speed. I was going 94 mph on a 70 mph. I was pulled over by a Byron, GA Patrol. I don't speed like this. It was an honest mistake. Should I appear at the courthouse and try to fight this? There is no way I can afford an attorney. I am not sure what to do. My License is from FL. My ticket is not that expensive but I feel like I need to fight this. Thanks!

Barry D. Kowitt is one of the founding partners at Unger & Kowitt, where they have helped over 500,000 people fight back.
In this blog, he shares with you his views on the traffic ticket system, as well as providing traffic ticket solutions that really work, no gimmicks. Hint: saying "my car doesn't go that fast" isn't going to cut it.